<論説>明治期の華族による考古学研究 : 阿部正功子爵と二条基弘公爵の活動を中心に (特集 : 学びのネットワーク)

Abstract

近代日本考古学の確立と普及に尽力した坪井正五郎は、特権階級であった華族ともネットワークを構築し、自身が提唱する「人類学」の普及を行っていた。本稿では明治二〇年代から兆しを見せる華族の考古学研究について、フィールドワークを基礎とした阿部正功子爵と、考古遺物蒐集や同じ趣向をもった華族による派閥(華族人類学会)を構築した二条基弘公爵の実態を史資料から明らかにした。坪井正五郎は華族に考古学の知識を教授し、華族の政治的活動など他分野においても積極的な助言を行った。華族は坪井正五郎の指導のもと、潤沢な資金による調査旅行や資料蒐集、社会的信用を背景に考古学研究を深化させていく。また、金銭的援助や蒐集品の提供、学会での名誉職への就任など、華族は研究者の活動を支援した。「人類学」や考古学という新興学問は、華族という高位のネットワークの中で生涯教育として周知され、様々な場面でその有用性が大衆に宣伝されたのである。

This article clarifies the historical significance of archaeological investigations by members of the peerage, the ennobled privileged class of the Meiji period, and the role their investigations played in the spread of the then-new field of archaeology in Japanese society. Tsuboi Shōgorō, who was promoted archaeological studies at Tokyo Imperial University from the Meiji Period through the early Taisho Period, made public the results of his research through many media. He thought that relations with members of the peerage who were well versed in archaeology were one method of diffusing his conception of "Anthropology" (which would include present-day Archaeology, Anthropology and Ethnology). Viscount Abe Masakoto (1860-1925) and Prince Nijō Motohiro (1859-1928) in particular were members of the peerage who were positively involved with archaeological studies. The attitudes Viscount Abe and Prince Nijō toward archaeological studies varied greatly. However, what they had in common was great wealth that they used to provide monetary support for the excavations of Tsuboi and other archaeologists, and the building of private museums within the grounds of their residences. They were also appointed to honorary posts in the Anthropological Society of Tokyo and the like. Viscount Abe, who had started to interact with Tsuboi in 1887, thoroughly surveyed and excavated Stone-age sites centering on Azabu Ward (presentday Minato Ward), where his residence was located, as well as others in the Tokyo and Saitama areas. He discovered 68 Stone-age sites and 23 more dated to the Kofun period. He made site maps based on his investigations, and these achievements set the precedents for today's archaeology. Prince Nijō, on the other hand, became interested in archaeology from around 1899. He actively purchased archaeological artifacts that had high artistic value such as intact pottery or dōtaku (bronze bells). This huge collection was housed in his private museum, known as the Dōdabō Chinretsukan. Prince Nijō also invited Tsuboi to give lectures on archaeology at the Peers' Club from 1902 to 1905. He organized the Kazoku Jinrui Gakkai (Peer's Anthropological Society) along with four other members of the peerage and participated actively in the society. Tsuboi provided the latest knowledge of archaeology to the peers and gave some suggestions in the other areas such as political activities. Thus archaeology came to be seen as part of the basic education of members of the peerage through the network of the Kazoku Jinrui Gakkai or political parties associated with the peerage. Recognition of the social usefulness of archaeology was diffused widely due to the social impact that was allotted to the privileged class of the peerage.